Saiga Rifles - mil spec / quality question

[hermosabeach]

In speaking with a friend he made a comment about preferring a surplus demilled rifle over a saiga.

His observations were that saigas were built and the parts measured and separated by size into 3 categories.

So when built, they used the same size parts to build a gun.

But if you swapped bolt and carriers between several different guns, they might not run.

He also said that the post sample class 3 guns built on saigas tended to fail.

He preferred almost every used military demilled kit to built an AK over the saiga conversions.

His logic was that the Russians were still building to 1950's technology and that as long as the parts ended up fitting and running, it was a sellable gun.





Can anyone confirm of all of the saigas are built to the same dimensions and parts are interchangeable?????

[johnyreb]

Um most AKs are that way...

[MrPlink]

Your friend knows just enough to make ignorant statements

[IEatZ28]

Saigas are made in the same factory as russian AKs, because they're basically russian AKs just neutered.

[CSACANNONEER]

Saigas are made in the same factory as russian AKs, because they're basically russian AKs just neutered.

And what does that have to do with anything? Saigas do not use the same parts as military issue guns. That's a simple fact and one of the actual questions the OP asked. As far as swapping parts between guns goes, it can be extremely dangerous/fatal to do with any firearm let alone AKs that are made as inexpensive as possible and changes in production methods and parts happen continually. I would not swap out a bolt on a Russian AK with a bolt from another Russian AK that came off the line one right after the other without checking headspace first. I don't like guns blowing up in my face. Anyway, I don't agree with your friend's reasoning but, I do agree with not swapping parts between guns unless you are a lot more knowledgeable than he is.

[Chewbaca]

your friend is a moron . . . case closed !!!

[NOTABIKER]

So a Saiga is made in Russia, So what.Like the guy on TV that went into Afghanistan many times during the war with Russia said. He could not care less who made the AK he carried into that country. Its just for us arm chair warriors with nothing else to do to argue about.

[johnyreb]

Lol


You guys realize the "number" system was use to help assemble military rifles back in the day to account for size variances in the parts.


Yep all those awesome, perfect military guns...

And yea you don't swap out bolts on AK with out checking headspace unless you have a death wish.

[Dhena81]

Get a Siaga/Vepr while you can they are now banned from import because of an Obama executive order.

[gwgn02]

I don't care who makes it or what kind of AKM it is, if it runs reliable, and shoots strait and the price is right...just buy it. Saiga's aren't terribly special...they are however usually problem free and built to last. There are lots and lots of other worthy AKM's on the market...even US made that do the job very well, as well as the Saiga. Build your own from parts kit, reweld...takes alot more time, tools, knowledge yet that is another good option. Kits are drying up so get a few and build later. Also, this Obama EO may be not mean anything in 2016 if Republicans get POTUS. Thats a big if. SO buy now.

[johnyreb]

Saigas are not AKMs

They are basically 74s in 7.62 and .223 and 5.45. Can't speak to the 308 as I never owned one.

My saigas all have 74 style rear trunnions, and 74 style long stem bolts, and of course the 74 style gas block.

[kalieracer]

Saiga's are all AK-100 series guns... AKM has not been made since 74 or so.. AK74 ended production in late 80's , AK-74m ended in the 2000's and 100 series is current. ... So any old patterns are just that, previous gen units... Either way all new production mil guns are 100 series and use this pattern.

[Kirill]

Also, this Obama EO may be not mean anything in 2016 if Republicans get POTUS. Thats a big if. SO buy now.

It has nothing to do with our POTUS and everything to do with their KHUILO. If Republican wins in 2016 there will be no "reset" for sure.

[hellayella]

It has nothing to do with our POTUS and everything to do with their KHUILO. If Republican wins in 2016 there will be no "reset" for sure.

Republicans winning in 2016...not gonna happen, even remotely... who's running, Christie? that guy can't even get a lid on his cravings at a all-u-can eat buffet and you expect him to lead the Republicans to victory? Marco Rubio, I have hopes for him, but at this point he's too young and inexperienced to gain any ground to lead the Republicans...

Hillary's gonna sweep 2016 unfortunately, then the real reset's gonna happen...Good times ahead!

[desert dog]

I have an extensive collection of AKs and have been building parts kits since the early 90s. I have seen enough examples to know the differences in quality between manufacturers.

My order of quality:

1) Finland (Valmet)
2) Russia (Vepr)
3) Bulgarian
4) Russia (Izhmash, including Saigas)
5) Yugo (with an unrusted barrel)
6) Polish
7) Chinese (polytech)
8) Russia (Tula)
9) Hungarian
10) Romanian
11) Egyptian

I have never fondled a "TRUE" East German rifle, although the parts I have seen are great quality. I also never got into the quasi-American made guns like the Centurion.

I would also like to comment about Saigas; the older saigas, particularly the EAAs and earlier RAAs, were held to much better quality standards than the newer Saigas. Older Saigas are one of the finest AKs a person can own. Izhmash quality became hit-or-miss several years ago when demand skyrocketed. Rifles with canted sights, bad headspacing, missing gas ports, poorly punched rivets, crooked optic rails, and chipped crowns became very common in the last 4-5 years. If buying a newer RWC Saiga, be sure to inspect the rifle before buying; you are really taking a chance buying one online right now IMO.